Time for Completion Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 27, 2026
Bottom line
The 'Time for Completion Act' aims to enhance transparency in higher education by requiring colleges to publish more granular data on how long it takes different types of students to complete their degrees or certificates.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to significantly expand the public reporting requirements for college completion and graduation rates. It mandates that institutions disclose completion rates for all types of undergraduate students (first-time, non-first-time, full-time, part-time) across various program lengths and at multiple time benchmarks, including normal time, 150%, 200%, and for shorter programs, 300% of normal time. The bill also requires the Department of Education to display this information consistently and with equal visibility.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will empower prospective students and their families with more comprehensive and realistic information about college completion rates, enabling them to make better-informed decisions. They contend that the expanded data, particularly for part-time and non-first-time students, will highlight institutions that effectively serve diverse student populations and encourage all institutions to improve student support services to facilitate timely completion.
Opponents contend
Critics may argue that the bill imposes an excessive administrative burden on higher education institutions, particularly those with limited resources or highly diverse student bodies, to collect and report such detailed data. They might also contend that the sheer volume of new data points could overwhelm or confuse consumers, or that a singular focus on completion rates might inadvertently incentivize institutions to prioritize speed over educational quality or other valuable student outcomes.
The bill text is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to evaluate its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a), amending 20 U.S.C. 1015a(i)(1)(J)
Expanded Completion Rate Reporting
This provision significantly expands the types of student completion and graduation rate data that colleges must make publicly available. It requires institutions to report percentages of students who obtain a degree or certificate within normal time, 150% of normal time, 200% of normal time, and for programs less than four years, also 300% of normal time. This data must be broken down by first-time, non-first-time, full-time, and part-time undergraduate students for both programs of at least four academic years and those less than four academic years.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that providing such granular data allows students to understand the true time commitment and success rates for various student profiles at different institutions, moving beyond a 'one-size-fits-all' completion metric. This transparency will help students choose programs that align with their personal circumstances and academic goals.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that the extensive breakdown of data, especially for non-first-time and part-time students, creates an undue reporting burden on institutions, particularly those that serve a high proportion of these students. They also worry that the complexity of the data might confuse rather than inform, or lead to unfair comparisons between institutions with different student demographics.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for greater consumer transparency with the administrative burden placed on institutions. It also navigates the tension between providing comprehensive data and ensuring that the data remains digestible and useful for the average prospective student.
Section 2(b), amending 20 U.S.C. 1092(a)
Conforming Amendments for Student Information
This section makes conforming amendments to ensure that the institutional and financial assistance information provided directly to students aligns with the new, expanded completion and graduation rate reporting requirements established in Section 132(i)(1)(J). Specifically, it updates the language to refer to the comprehensive rates for each type of student and program of study, replacing the previous, less detailed requirement.